Insurance News - Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Here are the leading auto insurance headlines from ONTARIO AUTO INSURANCE TOPICS ON TWITTER for Tuesday, April 9, 2013:

• I think we all know this but here is a survey by Progressive in the U.S. that indicates most drivers are unaware they subsidize bad drivers. 
• Volvo promises an injury-proof car by 2020 that use radar, sonar and other technology to prevent and mitigate crashes. That's only 7 years away.
• U.S. insurer offering technology for teens that blocks phone calls, texts, email, and other smartphone applications while the car is in motion.  So will the technology actually be used? 
•  It shouldn't come as a shock to learn that a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study in the U.S. shows that distracted driving deaths are on the rise.
• Oregon House of Representatives considers removing exemption for insurers from being sued under the Fraud Act which will open the door for third-party claims that insurers have negotiated in bad faith or have a “private right of action” for claims payments they believe are still owing.
• Saskatchewan General Insurance is forming a Motorcycle Review Committee after its proposal to uncap motorcycle insurance rates mes stiff resistance.
• Finance Minister Charles Sousa signals that the next Ontario budget will include provisions for auto insurance rate reductions.
• As an election approaches, Elections Ontario calls for cap on third party spending during elections as well as other reforms.